Instructions / Assembly

5
GENERAL BLOOD PRESSURE INFORMATION
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the pressure that is exerted by blood flowing against the walls of the blood
vessels throughout your body.
Your heart, which is the center of the circulatory system, provides the force for the blood to
flow or circulate. When your heart contracts or “beats,” the blood is forced through the blood
vessels increasing the pressure. This is the highest pressure in the cycle or what is referred to
as SYSTOLIC blood pressure. In-between beats your heart relaxes and your blood pressure
decreases. This is referred to as DIASTOLIC blood pressure.
This complete series of events, which occurs in a single heartbeat, is known as the CARDIAC
CYCLE.
Your digital blood pressure monitor will automatically read your blood pressure and display
both systolic and diastolic readings on the screen. Your systolic will be positioned as the upper
number and the diastolic reading will be the lower number.
(systolic)
(diastolic)
120
80
/
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg) and is generally recorded with
the systolic pressure (120) listed first and the diastolic pressure (80) listed second. The numbers
are typically separated by a slash mark ( / ) as shown.
Both pressure readings, the SYSTOLIC and DIASTOLIC, are necessary for a physician to
evaluate the status of a patient’s blood pressure.
Please contact your physician for specific information regarding your own blood pressure.
What Influences Blood Pressure?
Many factors such as genetics, age, sex, altitude, physical activity, anxiety, muscular
development, certain medications or even the time of day can influence blood pressure.
Influences such as sleep or relaxation decrease blood pressure, while anxiety or exercise
increase blood pressure.